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Thousands expected for National Thousands attend Grand National
(about 3 hours later)
More than 70,000 people are expected to flock to Aintree amidst unseasonably warm weather for the Grand National. Thousands of people have flocked to Aintree amidst unseasonably warm weather for the 160th Grand National.
The Merseyside racecourse has undergone a £35m redevelopment ahead of the world-famous steeplechase.The Merseyside racecourse has undergone a £35m redevelopment ahead of the world-famous steeplechase.
The 160th National takes place at 1615 BST with more than 16 million adults expected to have a flutter, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes. The big race takes place at 1615 BST with more than 16 million adults expected to have a flutter, according to bookmakers Ladbrokes.
Weather forecasters said temperatures could peak at 22C, making it one of the warmest Grand Nationals on record.Weather forecasters said temperatures could peak at 22C, making it one of the warmest Grand Nationals on record.
St John Ambulance, which has 150 volunteers at the course, urged racegoers to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen - and avoid too much alcohol. St John Ambulance, which has 150 volunteers at the course, urged race-goers to drink plenty of water, use sunscreen - and avoid too much alcohol.
Trainee manager Elaine Howlings said: "While we're all enjoying the warm weather it's a good idea to be prepared and follow our simple tips to staying healthy in the sun.Trainee manager Elaine Howlings said: "While we're all enjoying the warm weather it's a good idea to be prepared and follow our simple tips to staying healthy in the sun.
"Drink lots of water and try not to drink too much alcohol, find areas of shade, use sun cream and wear a brimmed hat.""Drink lots of water and try not to drink too much alcohol, find areas of shade, use sun cream and wear a brimmed hat."
It's the make or break day for the bookies David Williams, Ladbrokes spokesmanIt's the make or break day for the bookies David Williams, Ladbrokes spokesman
Security has been tight for the three-day Aintree Festival and police have warned race goers to get to the course early to get through the stringent security checks. Security has been tight for the three-day Aintree Festival and police have warned race-goers to get to the course early to get through the stringent security checks.
All spectators are being asked to pass through airport-style metal detectors and searches are being made of bags and vehicles.All spectators are being asked to pass through airport-style metal detectors and searches are being made of bags and vehicles.
Security was stepped up at the course after an IRA bomb scare in 1997 which forced the race to be abandoned. Ch Supt Dave Lewis, of Merseyside Police, said: "The comprehensive planning and security measures reflect the scale of the event and we are confident of the procedures we have in place."
Ch Supt Dave Lewis, of Merseyside Police, said: "The comprehensive planning and security measures reflect the scale of the event and we are confident of the procedures we have in place.
"However, we are not complacent. No event is invincible and we would ask the race-going public to help us by complying with security checks and by reporting any criminal or suspicious activity to police or security staff at the course."
Coleen McLoughlin was among the race goers on Ladies Day
Police said there were just a "handful" of arrests made in and around the course on Friday - Ladies Day - mainly for drunk and disorderly offences.Police said there were just a "handful" of arrests made in and around the course on Friday - Ladies Day - mainly for drunk and disorderly offences.
Spectators have also been warned to expect some disruption on the rail network because of engineering work between Manchester and Liverpool.Spectators have also been warned to expect some disruption on the rail network because of engineering work between Manchester and Liverpool.
One of the new attractions at the 2007 Aintree Festival features 10 members of the public picked by a panel of experts to train as jockeys. Best-dressed prize
The chosen 10 will compete in a flat race in front of spectators and what has been described as a potential worldwide television audience of 600 million. One of the new attractions at the 2007 Aintree Festival featured 10 members of the public picked by a panel of experts to train as jockeys.
Each jockey will win £5,000 for their chosen charity, and the winner's charity will receive a further £50,000. The chosen 10 took part in a flat race in front of spectators and what has been described as a potential worldwide television audience of 600 million, each winning £5,000 for their chosen charity.
Another non-racing feature was the final of a competition to find the most stylish race-goer at Aintree.
Ladies Day on Friday attracted about 50,000 people
Wayne Rooney's fiancée Coleen McLoughlin presented the prize, a Citroen car, to the winner - who happened to be a former school friend.
Stephen Wang, 21, from West Derby, Liverpool, said: "I was at school with Coleen and Wayne so I know them both. It's amazing she is now presenting this prize to me."
Coleen, who was wearing an Alexander McQueen waistcoat and trousers, a brown Biba hat and Balenciaga shoes, said: "I know Stephen, I went to school with him but I don't have anything to do with the judging."
Asked why she was not watching her fiancé playing in Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final, she replied: "I'd rather come here."
Ladbrokes said the Aintree Festival is expected to break £250m with more than £1m staked every minute in the hour leading up to the National.Ladbrokes said the Aintree Festival is expected to break £250m with more than £1m staked every minute in the hour leading up to the National.
David Williams, a spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: "It's the make or break day for the bookies.David Williams, a spokesman for Ladbrokes, said: "It's the make or break day for the bookies.
"Even we go weak at the knees with excitement and nerves on National day. The money gambled is phenomenal.""Even we go weak at the knees with excitement and nerves on National day. The money gambled is phenomenal."